Raymond Russell Nichols

On January 15, 2024, Raymond Russell Nichols, of Antrim, Ohio, passed away at the age of 91. His family and friends surrounded Raymond during his last days.

Raymond was born in Antrim, Ohio, to the late Floyd and Ada (Warnock) Nichols. He served as a 4-H advisor while in High School and graduated from Madison High School, in 1950. He went on to serve his country in the Korean War. When it was over, he was shipped back to Japan and eventually returned to the US where he served on the B&O Railroad for 4 years. He then became a bus driver, where he met the love of his life, Ruth Arlene Bond, and later married her on October 5, 1957. He began working as a state livestock inspector at sale barns and then settled into his career as a Rural Letter Carrier in 1959. Together, Raymond and Ruth, built their home and developed their farm, Midnight Acres, where they raised corn, hay, beef cattle, sheep, and pigs across the years and always planted a garden an acre in size and shared with others.

Raymond served for the state of Ohio in numerous board positions, including President of the Ohio Rural Letter Carriers Association. He retired in 1995 as a carrier after serving his patrons for 36 years, at the Freeport and Piedmont offices. He was known for going above and beyond to care for them, particularly in the winter when they couldn't get out. He was one of the few people that would and could drive through blizzards, when no one else could get there, to make sure his patrons had food, medicines, and heat. After retirement, Raymond remained active to support Rural Letter Carriers, as he served as the State and National PAC Chairman and was later recognized in Washington DC and inducted into their Hall of Fame. Mr. Nichols was one of the initial investors in the Antrim Volunteer Fire Department, bringing to fruition this important service to the community. Raymond was also a member of Masonic Lodge Freeport 415, and Scottish Rite Valley of Cambridge. A longstanding member of the Antrim United Methodist Church (AUMC). At the AUMC, he served as the Sunday School Superintendent for years, and transitioned to Chairman of the AUMC Board. For his entire life, he was an avid Ford truck and Case tractor fan. Anyone that knew him, knew to look for him driving a Ford Truck around town of a Case Tractor on the farm.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 66 years, their four children and their spouses: Randy (Patricia) Nichols , Robert (Lori) Nichols, Russell (Kelly) Nichols, and Rosemary (Dr. Duane) Maye; grandchildren: Sarah (Cam) Black, Dr. Eric (Tricia) Nichols, Austin (Kelsey) Nichols, Ashlee Nichols, Katie and Jon Ross Maye; great grandchildren: Raymond Nichols, Emma and Ava Black, and another great granddaughter to arrive in February; his sister, Beverly Luyster, and brother, Ronald Nichols; as well as numerous relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Virginia, Janet, and his parents Floyd and Ada Nichols.

The family shares the best way to remember Raymond, is to live a life by his example. That means making a concerted effort to smile more, see the good in others, be sincere, honest, and trustworthy, and let your work speak for itself. Focus on the simple pleasure's life offers, and always be grateful for everything and everyone in or lives.

Family and friends are invited to say a final goodbye at Bundy-Law Funeral Home, Cambridge, Ohio, during calling hours on Thursday, January 18, at 4:00-7:00pm. Freeport Lodge 415 will hold services at 7 pm Thursday evening at the funeral home. Friends may also call on Friday January 19, at10:00 am. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 am, Friday with Reverend Devani Roe officiating the service. Burial will follow at Antrim Community Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites conducted by The Guernsey County Veterans Council. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Antrim United Methodist Church, care of Katie Larrick, 67990 Fairground Road, Lore City, Ohio 43755. An on-line guest-book may be signed at www.bundy-laefuneralhome.com .